World Class, Superb Value and Highly Recommended - New Releases From Boekenhoutskloof

As evidenced by a tasting in London yesterday, Boekenhoutskloof makes some of the best bang-for-buck wines on the planet. The winery that put South Africa on the map, the wines from here are exceptional, world-class and absolute bargains. The 2021s have just been released and are excellent across the board, so we are delighted to have some to offer.

Made by the passionate and charismatic Marc Kent from small plots of immense quality, it’s easy to see why these wines are so cherished. It’s a rare winery that sets a bar for an entire country, but these do just that, and it makes the prices all the more compelling.

Each of these four lines is incredible. The Syrah is the flagship of the house, and 90% comes from the famous Porseleinberg vineyard. In style, it seamlessly combines elegance and power thanks to a beautiful line of acidity and gorgeously pure fruit. The two Cabernet Sauvignons are sensational, somehow capturing the best aspects of Old and New Worlds to result in wines of class, grace and outstanding complexity. The Franschhoek is more structured and classic, while the Stellenbosch is richer, plusher and more immediately accessible.

The Semillon is perhaps the hidden gem of the portfolio. It comes from three plots of very old vines planted in 1902, 1936 and 1942 and is wonderfully textural, complex and enormously food-friendly.

All four are super and come very highly recommended. Do take a look and let us know if you would like any secured:

2021 Boekenhoutskloof, Syrah

20cs (6*75cl OC) @ £170 per case in bond

97 points Tim Atkin MW

Given that 90% of its raw material comes from Porseleinberg – the other 10% comes from Boekenhoutskloof’s Roundstone property – it’s no surprise that this is such an impressive Syrah. Fermented with 65% whole bunches, it combines fynbos, lavender and Asian spice aromas with a palate of white pepper, barbecued meat, oregano and blackberry framed by sappy, granular tannins. World class. 2025-35

2021 Boekenhoutskloof, Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon

20cs (6*75cl OC) @ £170 per case in bond

96 points Tim Atkin MW

Boekenhoutskloof’s Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon is picked two weeks later than its Stellenbosch stable mate and is a fresher, more refined wine. Benefitting from the inclusion of 12% Cabernet Franc from the vines around the winery, it has aromas of graphite, violet and eucalyptus, palate-caressing, granular tannins and red berry and blackcurrant leaf flavours. 2024-35

2021 Boekenhoutskloof, Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon

20cs (6*75cl OC) @ £170 per case in bond

95 points Tim Atkin MW

Gottfried Mocke sources this Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon from two growers – one on the Helderberg, the other in Stellenbosch Kloof – to produce what is always the denser than its companion Franschhoek bottling. Inky and grippy, with top notes of menthol, mocha and dried herbs, lots of energy and vibrancy and a core of plum, blueberry and cassis. 2025-35

2021 Boekenhoutskloof, Semillon

9cs (6*75cl OC) @ £170 per case in bond

96 points Tim Atkin MW 

Boekenhoutskloof’s world-class Semillon uses grapes from three distinct blocks in Franschhoek, planted in 1902, 1936 and 1942, combining these with 3% Muscat d’Alexandrie. Showing more acidity and restraint than the stunning 2020, and less of the struck match character, it has notes of lemongrass, custard and beeswax and a core of chiselled acidity. Needs more time. 2024-32

Offered subject to final confirmation. Lead times to be confirmed.